Recreation, Sport and the Arts | 425
used for selected productions. Other than original works, the company also performs adaptations of foreign plays and modern theatre classics. During the year, the company staged nine productions of different genres in 153 performances, including 13 student performances. Apart from its major productions, the company toured 127 schools, organised three summer drama camps and presented 24 sessions of theatre workshops for youths and the community. The company is committed to further exploring cross-border cultural exchange and sourcing more performance opportunities in the Mainland as well as other territories. In September, the company staged two performances in Hangzhou and two charity performances in Shanghai, receiving overwhelming responses and positive remarks.
Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Established by a group of local musicians, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta continued to bring music to a wide range of audience. The orchestra prides itself on the predominantly local makeup of its musicians, and through its performances, cultivates a stronger interest in the arts within the community. The orchestra continued to bring quality music to local and international audience through numerous performances. Notably, the orchestra was invited to take part in two music festivals in France in the context of Year of China in France. And, locally it collaborated with internationally- renowned artists for well-attended performances. The orchestra also brought several series of interactive educational concerts to audience of all ages.
Theatre Ensemble
Theatre Ensemble has endeavoured to create high-quality theatre works that are physical, creative and humorous. In 2004, the company staged three new productions, restaged a children's show and organised an outreach production. Besides, the group extended its Asian Tour 2004 to Japan and Taiwan with its award- winning production. A long-term joint project entitled Pleasure In Play (PIP), signifying a reforming operational and development of professional theatre groups, was formally launched by the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Theatre Ensemble. The PIP School, established in 2003, started a series of courses on professional acting and art of living.
Zuni Icosahedron
Zuni Icosahedron is a multimedia experimental theatre group and has played an important role in developing new frontiers for Hong Kong's cultural scene. It has been active in theatre productions as well as in the areas of arts education, arts criticism and arts policy research. In 2004, Zuni created four experimental performances. Popularising experimental arts and culture has always been the group's main focus. In 2004, it continued to organise a series of multimedia theatre workshops and joint-school performances for students; and the publication of arts and cultural magazine, E+E, has expanded its distribution network for a wider coverage. Zuni was also invited to take part in international cultural exchange activities held in Taiwan and Norway.